The Edo State Government, through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, is set to officially launch its State Action Plan (SAP) on Women, Peace and Security, reinforcing its commitment to women’s empowerment, inclusive governance, and sustainable peace-building across the state.
According to the Public Relations Officer of the Ministry, Wisdom Agbonta, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Eugenia Abdallah, disclosed this during a strategic engagement with a delegation from the West African Network for Peace-Building (WANEP) at her office in Benin City.
Agbonta stated that the Commissioner explained that the SAP, which aligns with Nigeria’s National Action Plan, will serve as a structured framework to enhance women’s participation in peace-building and conflict prevention initiatives across Edo State once formally launched.
The Commissioner was quoted as emphasizing that women play a vital role in fostering peaceful and resilient communities, stressing that their involvement in peace-building processes is not optional but a strategic necessity for stability and sustainable development.
According to the Ministry’s spokesperson, Mrs. Abdallah noted that women bring unique perspectives and life experiences that are critical in addressing the root causes of conflict and promoting social cohesion. She further urged women to remain united, collaborative, and accountable, adding that internal cohesion is essential for effectively tackling societal challenges and influencing policy decisions.
Agbonta added that the Commissioner highlighted the Ministry’s responsibility as the coordinating body for the implementation of the State Action Plan, explaining that while the SAP aligns with national priorities, it is tailored to reflect Edo State’s distinct socio-cultural and developmental context.
She also revealed plans to leverage platforms such as International Women’s Day to sustain discussions on peace-building, leadership development, and conflict resolution, noting that such engagements would enhance women’s capacity to assume leadership roles in peace promotion at all levels.
Earlier in the meeting, the Edo State Coordinator of WANEP, Barr. Agatha Osieke, presented an overview of the organisation’s contribution to the development of the SAP. According to the PRO, Osieke explained that the plan is anchored on five key pillars: protection, prevention, participation and coordination, rehabilitation and reintegration, as well as post-conflict restructuring.
She reportedly stressed the need to mainstream women’s perspectives in addressing conflict-related issues at both state and local government levels.
The engagement concluded with the formal presentation of the guidelines for the localisation of the National Action Plan to the Commissioner.
